Rochdale family leads heartfelt campaign for rare disease as World Mitochondrial Disease Week approaches

Thursday, 28 August 2025 09:17

By David Murphy

A Rochdale family is urging the public to support World Mitochondrial Disease Week this September, as they shine a light on a devastating condition affecting their teenage son.

Aiman, a 17-year-old from Rochdale, lives with Mitochondrial Disease, a rare, incurable and progressive condition that disrupts the body’s ability to produce energy. His family, backed by national charity My Mito Mission, will be marking World Mitochondrial Disease Week 2025 (15–21 September) with a dedicated awareness event in Rochdale town centre.

Aiman’s mother, who has led the local effort to raise awareness, has organised an all-day stall on Monday 15 September at Rochdale Riverside offices (10.00am – 5.00pm). Named ‘Aiman’s Mito Mission’, the event will include a raffle with guaranteed prizes and charity merchandise sales, with all funds going towards supporting families affected by the condition and furthering medical research.

“Living with Mitochondrial Disease is incredibly tough, but we’ve found purpose through sharing Aiman’s journey,” the family said. “We hope our efforts help others feel less alone and bring us closer to a cure.”

Mitochondrial Disease, often referred to as ‘Mito’, affects the mitochondria, the energy-producing structures within cells. Without sufficient energy, the body’s vital organs and systems start to fail. Symptoms vary from person to person and may include fatigue, muscle weakness, developmental delays, seizures, and problems with vision, hearing, heart function or digestion. The condition can affect both children and adults, and its severity ranges from mild to life-limiting.

There is currently no cure, and treatment is largely supportive.

World Mitochondrial Disease Week is an international campaign aimed at raising awareness, driving research, and offering hope to those affected. Charities, families and researchers across the globe unite to light up landmarks, host fundraising events, and educate the public.

The Rochdale event is one of many grassroots efforts giving a voice to people living with rare diseases such as Mitochondrial Disease.

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